There is no quick way to get to this one. We went in via Pilot Ridge. It was Labor Day so the Blue Lakes were pretty crowded. There are other ways to get there. Johnson Mountain is easily reached from the lakes - adds maybe a mile and 800 gain one way. There is one step where you feel like you'd better not miss as you are stepping over air, but it is not a big step. Beautiful hike/backpack! Some write up said Pilot Ridge trail was narrow and scary, but we did not find it that way. We were likely there in 2017.